Violent scenes marred the build-up to Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby as rival supporters clashed outside St James' Park shortly before the midday kick-off.
The confrontation began when a small contingent of Sunderland fans separated from their police escort and walked directly into a substantial gathering of Newcastle supporters near the stadium.
Bottles and other missiles were hurled during the altercation, with footage emerging of visiting fans clutching their heads after being struck.
A second group of away supporters reportedly provoked further hostility by unfurling a Sunderland flag whilst passing through home fans, prompting punches to be thrown.
Bottles were thrown as Newcastle and Sunderland fans clashed
|REUTERS
Officers from Northumbria Police swiftly intervened to separate the warring factions.
One individual was administered CPR at the scene before being transported away by emergency services, though it remains uncertain whether this medical emergency was connected to the violence.
The Sunderland team coach also became a target as it attempted to leave the vicinity of St James' Park.
Home supporters pelted the vehicle with bottles, with each successful strike reportedly met with cheers from the crowd.
The ugly scenes unfolded despite a substantial police presence around the ground, with officers having successfully escorted the majority of travelling fans from Newcastle train station to the stadium without incident.
Despite a heavy police presence, fans still clashed before kick-off
|REUTERS
Sirens could be heard in the background as officers rushed to contain the disorder.
Telegraph reporter Luke Edwards provided a first-hand account of the disorder, posting on X that fights had erupted close to the ground.
Fighting outside of St James’ Park. One fan appeared in a bad way. CPR administered before being taken away. Not good 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/PwZuo8248l
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) March 22, 2026
"Small groups of Sunderland supporters had broken away from police escort and walked through large gathering of Newcastle fans. And were predictably attacked," he wrote.
The home supporters had gathered outside the Sandman Hotel adjacent to the stadium, creating a boisterous atmosphere with flares and chanting prior to the match.
This marked Sunderland's first visit to their rivals' home ground in twelve years, having already secured victory in the reverse fixture at the Stadium of Light earlier in the campaign.